The hardest part of the story is that feelings are hurt and they never feel a sense of belonging. The book A Good Neighborhood by Theresa Anne Fowler came to mind while reading this one. "What does it mean to be a good neighbor? How do we live alongside each other when we don't see eye to eye?" Brilliantly pacey and wonderfully written with a lovely big twist. Highly recommended’ Neil Lancaster A small act of malice between suburban neighbours snowballs, bringing tension and terror. Terrific and hugely thought-provoking’ Ian Rankin If Jane Austen were alive, she would not be writing about zombies but the sorts of novels that Kia Abdullah does. They perch on society’s fault lines, observing how the codes of class and race determine actions, how good intentions can be weakness, how a word or a gesture can lead inexorably to catastrophe.’

THOSE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR BY A.G. GARDINER - Blogger THOSE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR BY A.G. GARDINER - Blogger

There are twists upon twists. However, one of the final reveals was a bit of a letdown. It seemed to come out of nowhere.It is important to note, Salma's family is Bangladeshi, while Tom's family is white. Also, please note, each family has a dog and the dogs are also involved in the drama. This was one of my most highly anticipated reads this year. While I enjoyed it for the most part, this is my least favourite book by this author. The intensity was no were near as impactful as her other novels. Most of the characters actions and decisions were over the top and unbelievable which took away from my connection to and investment in the story. I wasn’t bought into what was happening. I was emotionless while reading this and I failed to develop sympathy for any of the characters. I had no one to root for in this revenge-filled story. And perhaps Adichie's statement could be pushed a bit further. Maybe there is not only more than one story to be told in general, but there is instead limitless potential for MANY stories, always lying dormant in each of us...and we simply need to have the courage to pen the bravest, kindest, and most compassionate one. In Kia Abdullah’s latest, Those People Next Door, she gives something slightly different from her other books. She still has written a thought-provoking psychological thriller and courtroom drama with her trademark twist. She adds more drama to the story while exploring class, race, aggression, community dynamics, and neighbors misbehaving, and the underbelly of a picture-perfect suburban town.

Those People next Door (1952) | BFI

Their next door neighbours Joe (Charles Victor) and Emma (Gladys Henson) practically live in the Twiggs’ house, borrowing cups of sugar or using their Anderson shelter. Controversy arises when Sam's pretty daughter Anne (Patricia Cutts) becomes romantically involved with RAF officer Victor Stevens (Peter Forbes-Robertson). There is disapproval from Victor's wealthy parents, Sir Andrew and Lady Stevens (Garry Marsh and Grace Arnold), who object to the match on grounds of class. Lady Stevens even offers money to the Twigg family to call off the relationship, which enrages father Sam. However, when RAF man Victor is reportedly shot down in action, parental attitudes soften. As far as Thrillers with a Legal bent go, I don't read a lot of them, only a few a year, but the ones I read, I do tend to enjoy. I feel like Abdullah brings such substance to her stories though, they almost go above and beyond. In this book, she explores themes such as racism, community, social media, class differences, hypocrisy, and violence that can tempt each person to cross the line for their righteous or distorted perspective.My fourth book by this author and, as expected, it was riveting and completely enthralling. But it’s not flawless. Kia has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, The Financial Times, The Times, The Telegraph and the BBC, and has received a JB Priestley Award for Writers of Promise (2020). She is also the founder of Asian Booklist, a nonprofit that advocates for diversity in publishing.

Those People Next Door – HarperCollins Publishers UK Those People Next Door – HarperCollins Publishers UK

Basically, Salma and Tom get into it. They get into it deep. This is a neighbor feud for the freaking record books. Just when you think it can't get any worse, it does. Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this amazing book's digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. The Dream House Move …. to the ideal suburban neighbourhood of Blenheim is a fresh start for Salma Khatun, her husband Bil, and their teenage son Zain. Although forced to move, their relocation is rewarded with a beautiful home, nice neighbours, and a great school, and when invited to the family barbecue next door the families, including the two sons realise, they have a lot in common. As always, the author deftly examines race, prejudice and preconceived notions, this time when Bilal and Salma Khatoun, and their son Zain move into a mostly “white” neighborhood in the suburb of Blenhem.

I feel like her style is a great platform for Readers to have some real self-reflective, as well as shoe-on-the-other-foot, moments. It feels written with such intention and what's not to appreciate, and respect, about that. The court part of the book takes up a little less space than in her previous books, but these parts are perfectly written, making you feel angry, agitated, confused, and eager to keep reading to find out how the big mystery will unfold.